Margao (
Moddganv, is the second largest city (population approximately 80,000) and commercial capital of the
Indian state of
Goa. It is the administrative headquarters of
South Goa district and of the
Salcete taluka.
Etymoglogy
Margão is the
Portuguese spelling, with Margao being common in English. It is derived from
Mathagrām which means a place with a
matha.Pronounced as "Mut" as sound in word "Hut". Mut is a religious place where religious society called "Mathgram" looks after it.
Geography
Margao is located at . It has an average elevation of 31 metres (102 feet).
Nestled on the banks of the
River Sal, Margão is amongst the oldest recorded towns in Goa. Margão is famous for the huge
Portuguese style mansions which dot its landscape. It is also one of the fastest growing cities in Goa and includes several suburbs including
Aquem,
Fatorda,
Gogol,
Borda,
Comba and
Davorlim.
History
Margao in pre-Portuguese times was one of the important settlements in
Salcete and known as
Matha Grama (the village of Mathas) as it was a temple town with nine Mathas in temple schools. Most of the inhabitants were
Brahmins (
GSB and
Daivajnas). It was then famous for its many beautifully built temples. Long before the Portuguese came here, it had a university with a library. During the Portuguese conquest in 1543, Hindu temples were demolished and Catholic churches were built in their place. Almost all...
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